Clutch actuating arrangement

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a clutch arrangement ( 500 ) of a vehicle transmission arrangement ( 100 ), the clutch arrangement ( 500 ) being positioned within a clutch bell housing ( 206 ) of the vehicle transmission and comprising a pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement ( 208 ) connectable to a first clutch unit ( 202 ) of the vehicle transmission arrangement ( 100 ) and arranged to controllably position the first clutch unit ( 202 ) between a closed position and an opened position, a pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement ( 210 ) connectable to a second clutch unit ( 204 ) of the transmission arrangement and arranged to controllably position the second clutch unit ( 204 ) between a closed position and an opened position, and a valve unit ( 302 ) connected to the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement ( 208 ) and the pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement ( 210 ), wherein the valve unit ( 302 ) comprises a clutch valve ( 308 ) arranged in fluid communication with the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement ( 210 ) for controlling supply of compressed air to the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement ( 210 ), and a brake valve ( 318 ) arranged in fluid communication with the pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement ( 210 ) for controlling supply of compressed air to the pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement ( 210 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a clutch arrangement of a vehicletransmission. The invention also relates to valve unit and apneumatically controlled actuator arrangement. The invention isapplicable on vehicles, in particularly low, medium and heavy dutyvehicles commonly referred to as trucks. Although the invention willmainly be described in relation to a truck, it may also be applicablefor other type of vehicles such as e.g. working machines, buses, etc.

BACKGROUND

Each of US2001/030097 and US2001/030096 discloses an actuating devicefor a friction clutch, provided with a clutch valve unit comprising anactuating valve and a measuring sensor, wherein the clutch valve unit isarranged through an opening in the clutch housing and can be removedthere through. In US2001/030097, the connection of the clutch valve unitappears to be arranged inside the clutch housing. In US2001/030096 it isdisclosed that the clutch valve unit is connected from outside theclutch housing.

Although US2001/030097 and US2001/030096 present solutions for a clutchvalve, there is still room for improvements when developing clutch valveunits and clutch actuator arrangements in terms of functionality andsimplification during assembly thereof.

SUMMARY

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a clutcharrangement which at least partially overcomes the above describeddeficiencies. This is achieved by a clutch arrangement according toclaim 1.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda clutch arrangement of a vehicle transmission arrangement, the clutcharrangement being positioned within a clutch bell housing of the vehicletransmission and comprising a pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement connectable to a first clutch unit of the vehicletransmission arrangement and arranged to controllably position the firstclutch unit between a closed position and an opened position, apneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement connectable to asecond clutch unit of the transmission arrangement and arranged tocontrollably position the second clutch unit between a closed positionand an opened position, and a valve unit connected to the pneumaticallycontrolled actuator arrangement and the pneumatically controlled brakeactuator arrangement, wherein the valve unit comprises a clutch valvearranged in fluid communication with the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement for controlling supply of compressed air to thepneumatically controlled actuator arrangement, and a brake valvearranged in fluid communication with the pneumatically controlled brakeactuator arrangement for controlling supply of compressed air to thepneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement.

The above described valve unit is thus provided with valves forcontrolling the flow of compressed air to the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement as well as to the pneumatically controlled brakeactuator arrangement. An advantage is thus that a single valve unit isprovided for controlling two different actuator arrangements. Hereby, atotal reduction of valve unit size can be achieved which may be ofsubstantial benefit in the relatively tight space within the clutch bellhousing. Furthermore, positioning the valve unit within the clutch bellhousing enables for a valve positioned close to the actuator whereby theneed of relatively long piping is reduced. This will also provide for amore rapid and accurate control of the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement and the pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement.Furthermore, as the valve unit for controlling the brake actuatorarrangement has been positioned within the clutch bell housing, morespace is available outside the clutch bell housing. A further advantageis increased serviceability, since the brake valve can be more easilyserviced as the valve unit is more easily accessible and therefore thebrake valve is also easier to dismount.

According to an example embodiment, the valve unit may be connected to astationary portion of the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement.The stationary portion may be a housing of the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement.

According to an example embodiment, the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement may be arranged to control a first clutch unitpositioned between an output shaft of a prime mover and an input shaftof the vehicle transmission.

According to an example embodiment, the pneumatically controlled brakeactuator arrangement may be arranged to control a second clutch unitpositioned between a transmission shaft and the clutch bell housing ofthe vehicle transmission arrangement.

According to an example embodiment, the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement may comprise a clutch sensor for determining anopenness degree of the first clutch unit.

According to an example embodiment, the valve unit may comprise a clutchopenness receiver, the clutch openness receiver being connected to theclutch sensor and arranged to receive a signal from the clutch sensorindicative of the openness degree of the first clutch unit.

The clutch openness receiver should thus be understood to mean a devicewhich receives a signal from the clutch sensor for receiving informationof the openness degree of the first clutch unit. Hereby, and asdescribed below, the clutch valve can be controlled based on theopenness degree of the first clutch unit.

According to an example embodiment, the valve unit may be connected tothe pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement via a brakepneumatic interface comprising a pneumatic conduit between the brakevalve and the pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement.

According to an example embodiment, the brake pneumatic interface maycomprise a sealing arrangement for preventing compressed air to leakfrom the brake pneumatic interface portion when the pneumaticallycontrolled brake actuator arrangement is connected to the valve unit.

According to an example embodiment, the clutch openness receiver may bearranged to control the clutch valve based on the received signal fromthe clutch sensor.

According to an example embodiment, the clutch sensor may comprise amagnet for determining the openness degree of the first clutch unit.

According to an example embodiment, the clutch openness receiver maycomprise an inductive receiver arranged to receive an inductive signalfrom the clutch sensor.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a valve unit forcontrolling the flow of pressurized air to a pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement and a pneumatically controlled brake actuatorarrangement of a vehicle transmission arrangement, the valve unit beingconnectable to a source of pressurized air and comprises a clutch valvearranged to be provided in fluid communication with the pneumaticallycontrolled actuator arrangement for controlling supply of compressed airto the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement, and a brake valvearranged to be provided in fluid communication with the pneumaticallycontrolled brake actuator arrangement for controlling supply ofcompressed air to the pneumatically controlled brake actuatorarrangement.

According to an example embodiment, the valve unit may further comprisea clutch openness receiver arranged to be connected to a clutch sensorof the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement for receiving asignal indicative of an openness degree of the first clutch unit.

According to an example embodiment, the valve unit may further compriseguiding means for being guidable to a connected position at thepneumatically controlled actuator arrangement. Hereby, simplifiedassembling of the valve unit and the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement is achieved.

Further effects and features of the second aspect are largely analogousto those described above in relation to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a pneumaticallycontrolled actuator arrangement of a vehicle transmission arrangement,the actuator arrangement being connectable to a first clutch unit of thevehicle transmission arrangement and arranged to controllably positionthe first clutch unit between a closed position and an opened position,the actuator arrangement being connectable to a valve unit arranged tocontrollably supply pressurized air to the actuator arrangement, whereinthe actuator arrangement comprises an interface portion for connectionto the valve unit, the interface portion comprises a mechanicalinterface portion and a pneumatic interface portion, wherein themechanical interface portion comprises guiding means for guiding aportion of the valve unit for connection to the actuator arrangement.

An advantage of the interface portion is that simplified assembly of thevalve unit to the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement isprovided. Thus, there is reduced need of visually determining that theclutch unit is connected to the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement in a correct manner.

It should be readily understood that the first clutch unit may bepositioned in a slipping state as well as the opened and closedpositions.

According to an example, the pneumatic interface portion may comprise atleast one conduit arranged to connect to a valve conduit of the valveunit for fluidly connecting the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement to a clutch valve of the valve unit.

Hereby, also the pneumatic conduits can be easily connected between thevalve unit and the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement.

According to an example, the guiding means may comprise a guiding pinextending from the interface portion and arranged to be positioned in anopening of the portion of the valve unit, wherein the guiding pin has anextension from the interface portion which is larger than an extensionof the at least one conduit of the pneumatic interface portion.

The guiding pin can be arranged as an elongated pin of variousdimensions. The pin can also be provided with elongated recesses forconnection to elongated protrusions of the opening in the valve unit, orvice versa. The opening in the valve unit should thus be arranged insuch a shape as to be able to receive the guiding pin.

An advantage of providing a guiding pin which extends further out fromthe interface portion in comparison to the extension of the at least oneconduit of the pneumatic interface portion is that once the guiding pinis in correct position, the pneumatic interface portion will also beprovided in a correct position.

According to an example embodiment, the pneumatic interface portion maycomprise a sealing arrangement for preventing compressed air to leakfrom the interface portion when the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement is connected to the valve unit.

Hereby, a reduced risk of leakage of compressed air is provided.

According to an example embodiment, the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement may further comprise a magnet sensor arranged todetermine an openness degree of the first clutch unit.

Further effects and features of the third aspect are largely analogousto those described above in relation to the first and second aspect ofthe present invention.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising avehicle transmission arrangement, wherein the vehicle transmissionarrangement comprises a clutch arrangement according to any one of theexample embodiments described above in relation to the first aspect.

Effects and features of the fourth aspect are largely analogous to thosedescribed above in relation to the first, second and third aspects.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention willbecome apparent when studying the appended claims and the followingdescription. The skilled person will realize that different features ofthe present invention may be combined to create embodiments other thanthose described in the following, without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention, will be better understood through the followingillustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a lateral side view illustrating an example embodiment of avehicle in the form of a truck;

FIG. 2 is a cut-out side view illustrating clutch arrangements in theform of a clutch and a braking mechanism arranged within a clutch bellhousing of a transmission according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a valve unit connected to a pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement and to a pneumatically controlled brake actuatorarrangement according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating an interface portion between thevalve unit and the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangementaccording to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided forthoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to likeelements throughout the description.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a vehicle 1 witha prime move 10 and a transmission arrangement 100 comprising a valveunit (302, FIG. 3), a pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement(208, FIG. 2) and a pneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement(210, FIG. 2) according to the present invention. The vehicle 1 depictedin FIG. 1 is a truck for which the inventive transmission arrangement100, as will be described further below, is particularly suitable for.

Turning to FIG. 2, which is a cut-out side view illustrating clutcharrangements in the form of a first clutch unit 202 and a second clutchunit 204. The first clutch unit 202 will in the following be referred toas a clutch 202, and the second clutch unit 204 will in the following bereferred to as a braking mechanism 204. The clutch 202 comprisesfriction clutch elements 201. It should be noted that the frictionclutch elements 201 are schematically illustrated. The purpose of thefriction clutch elements 201 is to engage and disengage an output shaft(not shown) of the prime mover 10 to an input shaft (not shown) of thetransmission 100. The braking mechanism 204 has for its primary purposeto reduce the rotational speed of a shaft. The clutch 202 and thebraking mechanism 204 are arranged within a clutch bell housing 206 ofthe transmission 100, whereby the clutch 202 is, as described above,arranged to controllably interconnect the output shaft (not shown) ofthe prime mover 10 to the input shaft (not shown) of the transmission100. The braking arrangement 204 on the other hand is arranged tocontrollably brake a counter shaft (not shown) of the transmission 100to the clutch housing 206. The counter shaft may also be referred to asa lay shaft.

Moreover, the transmission 100 also comprises a pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement for the clutch 202 and a pneumatically controlledbrake actuator arrangement for the braking arrangement 204. Thepneumatically controlled actuator arrangement for the clutch 202 will inthe following also simply be referred to as the clutch actuatorarrangement 208, and the pneumatically controlled brake actuatorarrangement for the braking mechanism 204 will in the following alsosimply be referred to as the braking actuator arrangement 210. Theclutch 202 and the braking mechanism 204 further comprises a respectivecompressed-air piston 212, 214 which are each arranged to mechanicallycontrol the motion of the clutch 202 and the braking mechanism 204.

The clutch 202 is a normally closed clutch, i.e. it is continuouslyconnecting the output shaft of the prime mover 10 to the input shaft ofthe transmission 100 until the clutch actuator arrangement 208controllably positions it in an opened state. Hence, when providingcompressed air to the clutch actuator arrangement 208, the clutchactuator arrangement 208 will eventually position the clutch 202 in anopen position disconnecting the output shaft of the prime mover 10 fromthe input shaft of the transmission 100.

The braking arrangement 204 is a normally opened braking arrangement,i.e. it is disconnecting the counter shaft from the clutch housing 206until the braking actuator arrangement 210 controllably positions thebraking arrangement 204 in a closed position which reduces therotational speed of the counter shaft relative to the clutch housing206. Hence, when providing compressed air to the braking actuatorarrangement 210, the braking actuator arrangement 210 positions thebraking arrangement 204 in a closed state for reducing the rotationalspeed of the counter shaft relative to the clutch housing 206.

FIG. 3 is a view to the rear of the transmission 100, and in particular,a view of the clutch arrangement 500. As can be seen in FIG. 3, theclutch 202 and the braking arrangement 204 described above in relationto FIG. 2 are illustrated. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG.3, a valve unit 302 is connected to the clutch actuator arrangement 208and to the braking actuator arrangement 210. The valve unit 302 isarranged for controlling the flow of compressed air into and out fromthe clutch actuator arrangement 208 and the braking actuator arrangement210. The valve unit 302 is thus arranged in fluid communication with apneumatic tank or the like of the vehicle for supply of compressed air.In detail, the valve unit 302 is mechanically and pneumaticallyconnected to the clutch actuator arrangement 208 and mechanically andpneumatically connected to the braking actuator arrangement 210. Hereby,the valve unit 302 can be connected to the clutch actuator arrangement208 via a mechanical interface for proper attachment thereto, as well asvia a pneumatic interface for proper delivery of compressed air to theclutch actuator arrangement 208. Likewise, the valve unit 302 can beconnected to the braking actuator arrangement 210 via a mechanicalinterface for proper attachment thereto, as well as via a pneumaticinterface for proper delivery of compressed air to the braking actuatorarrangement 210. The mechanical and pneumatic interface between thevalve unit 302 and the clutch actuator arrangement 208 is described infurther detail below with reference to the description of FIG. 4.

Furthermore, the valve unit 302 comprises clutch valves 308, 310 forcontrolling the flow of compressed air to/from the clutch actuatorarrangement 208, and brake valves 318, 320 for controlling the flow ofcompressed air to/from the braking actuator arrangement 210. In detail,the clutch unit 302 comprises an inlet clutch valve 308 for controllingthe flow of compressed air into the actuator arrangement 208 and anoutlet clutch valve 310 for controlling the flow of compressed air outfrom the actuator arrangement 208, and an inlet brake valve 318 forcontrolling the flow of compressed air into the braking actuatorarrangement 210 and an outlet brake valve 320 for controlling the flowof compressed air out from the braking actuator arrangement 210. Theflow of compressed air directed into the clutch actuator arrangement 208is depicted with an arrow denoted as 304, while the flow of compressedair directed out from the clutch actuator arrangement 208 is depictedwith an arrow denoted as 306. Similarly, the flow of compressed airdirected into the braking actuator arrangement 210 is depicted with anarrow denoted as 314, while the flow of compressed air directed out fromthe braking actuator arrangement 210 is depicted with an arrow denotedas 316.

The valve unit 302 is preferably an electrically controlled valve unit302 which is connected to a control unit of the transmission or vehiclefor controlling the opening/closing of the inlet valve 308 and theoutlet valve 310, as well as the inlet brake valve 318 and the outletbrake valve 320. It should also be readily understood that the inletvalve 308 and the outlet valve 310 can also be one and the same valve.Likewise, the inlet brake valve 318 and the outlet brake valve 320 canalso be one and the same valve.

The valve unit 302 and the clutch actuator arrangement 208 are connectedto each other at an interface portion 402 of the clutch actuatorarrangement 208. Reference is therefore made to FIG. 4, in which thevalves described above are omitted from the valve unit 302. Theinterface portion 402 comprises a mechanical interface portion 404 and apneumatic interface portion 406, 406′. Likewise, the valve unit 302comprises a mechanical valve interface portion 504 and a pneumatic valveinterface portion 506, 506′. Hereby, the mechanical interface portion404 of the clutch actuator arrangement 208 is arranged to be connectedto the mechanical valve interface portion 504 of the valve unit 302, andthe pneumatic interface portion 406, 406′ of the clutch actuatorarrangement 208 is arranged to be connected to the pneumatic valveinterface portion 506, 506′ of the valve unit 302.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the pneumatic interface portion 406, 406′ ofthe clutch actuator arrangement 208 and the pneumatic valve interfaceportion 506, 506′ of the valve unit 302 are arranged as respectiveconduits connectable to each other. The pneumatic interface portion mayalso comprise a sealing arrangement for preventing leakage of compressedair there between.

According to the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the mechanicalinterface portion 404 of the clutch actuator arrangement 208 may bearranged as a pin. The pin is arranged to be connected to a hole of themechanical valve interface portion 504 of the valve unit 302. The holeis preferably arranged as a socket, such that a pin and socketconnection is provided for mechanically connecting the clutch actuatorarrangement 208 and the valve unit 302 to each other. The pin 404 ispreferably extending further away from the clutch actuator arrangement208 in comparison to the conduits of the pneumatic interface portion406, 406′. Although a pin and socket connection is been described anddepicted in FIG. 4, other alternatives are also conceivable.

Furthermore, the valve unit 302 comprises a clutch openness receiver410. The clutch openness receiver 410 is arranged to receive a signalfrom a sensor (not shown) of the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement 208 for determining the openness degree of the clutch, i.e.if the clutch is closed or opened, and to which extent it is opened. Theclutch valves 308, 310 can thereafter be controlled accordingly.

According to an alternative description of the invention which can beused in combination with the above description of FIGS. 1-4, the vehiclecomprises a powertrain where the invention can be implemented. Thevehicle can be of different types, such as a truck, a bus or a carcomprising an actuating device for a friction clutch. The powertrain canbe of traditional type or a hybrid, such as a hybrid electric vehicle.

According to an embodiment, an actuating device is arranged in apowertrain comprising a propulsion unit, clutch and transmission. Theactuating device for a friction clutch is arranged in a clutch bellhousing in the power train of the vehicle. The friction clutch isarranged between a propulsion unit and a transmission of the powertrain.The propulsion unit can be an internal combustion engine or an electricmotor. The transmission comprises a transmission input shaft drivinglyconnected via different selectable and engageable gear steps (gearratios) to a transmission output shaft. The transmission output shaft isarranged to drive wheels of the vehicle. A control unit is arranged tocontrol the transmission, the clutch and the propulsion unit in order toperform gearshifts according to known art. A gear selector lever isarranged to selected different control modes (automatic, manual etc.) ofthe transmission.

Furthermore, a shaft brake is arranged in the clutch bell housing and isconfigured to brake a shaft in the transmission, and where a secondvalve arrangement (shaft brake valve) is arranged to control a flow of ashaft brake actuating medium.

The actuating device comprises a clutch release mechanism, movable alongsubstantially the same axis as the friction clutch, for actuating thefriction clutch. Further, it is provided a servo positioning arrangementwith a pressure medium power cylinder arrangement (CCA) with a pressuremedium annular cylinder substantially concentric to the clutch axisarranged inside the clutch bell housing and designed to exert forcesubstantially coaxial to the clutch axis on the clutch releasemechanism.

A clutch valve unit (CVU) is connected to a pressure medium source andoperating in dependence of a desired value representing a desiredposition of the clutch release mechanism and an actual valuerepresenting the axial position of the clutch release mechanism. Apressure medium conduit and an electric wire connect the control unitand the CVU. The same pressure medium conduit can be used to supplypressure medium to both the shaft brake and the clutch cylinder. Thus,electrical signal connection for the clutch travel sensor, pressuremedium connection for the shaft brake actuating medium and the clutchactuating medium are attached from the outside of the clutch bellhousing to the CVU.

Furthermore, the shaft brake comprises a brake cylinder, where thesecond valve arrangement is arranged to control the shaft brakeactuating medium to actuate the brake cylinder. The shaft brake isarranged to brake the shaft in order to adapt rotational speed of theshaft. In the disclosed configuration the shaft is a lay shaft (countershaft).

Moreover, the clutch valve unit (CVU) comprises a first valvearrangement for controlling the flow of a clutch actuating medium.Further, a clutch travel sensor (clutch openness receiver) is arrangedto measure the actual value representing the axial position of theclutch release mechanism, and where the sensor is arranged for detectinga position of a movable part of the clutch release mechanism.

The clutch bell housing comprises a recess for the clutch valve unit(CVU) and where the clutch valve unit (CVU) is arranged to be connectedto a stationary part of the CCA. The recess for the clutch valve unit(CVU) is configured such that the clutch valve unit (CVU) is positionedon the stationary part of the CCA from the outside through the recess ofthe clutch bell housing and detachably connected to the stationary part.The CVU can for example be fastened to the stationary part of the CCAand/or to the clutch bell housing in order to be connected to thestationary part of the CCA.

Moreover, the clutch travel sensor is integrated in the CVU. Accordingto an example embodiment, a travel sensor magnet rotation stop can bearranged in the CVU.

Further, the second valve arrangement (shaft brake valve) forcontrolling the shaft brake is also integrated in the CVU such that whenthe CVU has to be detached from the clutch bell housing the first andthe second valve arrangement and the clutch travel sensor follows withthe CVU.

Thus, the relevant components are located inside the clutch bell housingin the clutch valve unit CVU, which in turn is in direct connection withthe clutch concentric cylinder CCA.

An advantage is thus that an increased shaft brake performance isachieved, since shorter path way for the actuating medium is providedbetween the shaft brake valve and the shaft brake cylinder. A furtheradvantage is increased serviceability, since the shaft brake valve canbe more easily serviced as the clutch valve unit CVU is more easilyaccessible and therefore the shaft brake valves are also easier todismount.

With an arrangement according to the invention it is easier to performmaintenance of all the components integrated in the CVU and make theproper fail analysis without having to perform an expensive transmissiondisassembly, that is, detach the clutch bell housing from the propulsionunit of the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, a pipe (for example a “pneumatic airinterface”) is arranged to connect a conduit integrated in the housingof the CVU for conducting the shaft brake actuating medium to acorresponding conduit in the housing of the shaft brake in order toconduct the medium from the second valve arrangement (shaft brake valve)to the shaft brake cylinder.

According to a still further embodiment, the CVU and the shaft brake canbe arranged adjacent to each other, such that a housing of the CVU is indirect contact with a housing of the shaft brake. This provides thepossibility to have a conduit integrated in the housing of the CVU forconducting the shaft brake actuating medium to be directly connected toa corresponding conduit in the housing of the shaft brake in order toconduct the medium from the second valve arrangement to the shaft brakecylinder.

The integration of the shaft brake control valves into the CVU canaccommodate both one 3/2 valve and/or two 2/2 valves to control theactuation of the brake cylinder.

For clarification, the following abbreviations have been used in thetext.

CCA=Concentric clutch actuator

CVU=Clutch Valve unit

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, theskilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may bemade within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A valve unit for controlling the flow ofpressurized air to a pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement and apneumatically controlled brake actuator arrangement of a vehicletransmission arrangement, the valve unit being contained in a housingmounted on a first clutch unit or brake unit and connectable to a sourceof pressurized air and comprises a clutch valve arranged to be providedin fluid communication with the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement for controlling supply of compressed air to thepneumatically controlled actuator arrangement, and a brake valvearranged to be provided in fluid communication with the pneumaticallycontrolled brake actuator arrangement for controlling supply ofcompressed air to the pneumatically controlled brake actuatorarrangement, and a clutch openness receiver arranged to be connected toa clutch sensor of the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement forreceiving a signal indicative of an openness degree of the first clutchunit positioned between an output shaft of a prime mover and an inputshaft of the vehicle transmission.
 2. The valve unit of claim 1, whereina clutch arrangement is positioned within a clutch bell housing of thevehicle transmission arrangement, the clutch arrangement comprising: thepneumatically controlled actuator arrangement connectable to the firstclutch unit of the vehicle transmission arrangement and arranged tocontrollably position the first clutch unit between a closed positionand an opened position, the pneumatically controlled brake actuatorarrangement connectable to a second clutch unit of the transmissionarrangement and arranged to controllably position the second clutch unitbetween a closed position and an opened position.
 3. The valve unitaccording to claim 2, wherein the valve unit is connected to astationary portion of the pneumatically controlled actuator arrangement.4. The valve unit according to claim 2, wherein the pneumaticallycontrolled brake actuator arrangement is arranged to control the secondclutch unit positioned between a transmission shaft and the clutch bellhousing of the vehicle transmission arrangement.
 5. The valve unitaccording to claim 2, wherein the pneumatically controlled actuatorarrangement comprises a clutch sensor for determining an openness degreeof the first clutch unit.
 6. The valve unit according to claim 5,wherein the valve unit comprises a clutch openness receiver, said clutchopenness receiver being connected to the clutch sensor and arranged toreceive a signal from the clutch sensor indicative of the opennessdegree of the first clutch unit.
 7. The valve unit according to claim 6,wherein the clutch openness receiver is arranged to control the clutchvalve based on the received signal from the clutch sensor.
 8. The valveunit according to claim 5, wherein the clutch sensor comprises a magnetfor determining the openness degree of the first clutch unit.
 9. Thevalve unit according to claim 6, wherein the clutch openness receivercomprises an inductive receiver arranged to receive an inductive signalfrom the clutch sensor.
 10. The valve unit according to claim 2, whereinthe valve unit is connected to the pneumatically controlled brakeactuator arrangement via a brake pneumatic interface comprising apneumatic conduit between the brake valve and the pneumaticallycontrolled brake actuator arrangement.
 11. The valve unit according toclaim 10, wherein the brake pneumatic interface comprises a sealingarrangement for preventing compressed air to leak from the brakepneumatic interface portion when the pneumatically controlled brakeactuator arrangement is connected to the valve unit.
 12. The valve unitaccording to claim 1, further comprising guiding means for beingguidable to a connected position at the pneumatically controlledactuator arrangement.